New Gear
BMW Updates 3-series coupe & cabriolet for 2011
02.03.10
By .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
BMW has made slight modifications to their 3-series cars this year, due at dealer showrooms this Spring. Updated headlight fixtures and engines are the main changes, keeping their stalwart line of cars mostly unchanged for ‘11.
I go way back with BMW; one of my first cars was a ‘78 320i that I bought used in Newport Beach - that car was a 2-door coupe that BMW had created to replace the wonderful 2002 in the mid-‘70s. It was later replaced by the 325 and 328 sedans and 330 coupe, creating one of the most successful car lines anywhere… especially popular in Orange County with everyone from students to professionals. With its classic lines and efficient size, the 3-series is both a driver’s car and an affordable entry into German luxury and performance. And no one makes a well-built sedan, coupe or convertible quite like the Germans.
For 2010/2011, BMW knows it isn’t broken, so they aren’t fixing their venerable 3-series. With its longer lines, 2 fewer doors and upgraded performance, the coupe is BMW’s sexiest small(ish) car. The 1-series may be a few inches smaller, but it doesn’t possess the sexy lines of the 3 coupe - which appeals to those wanting a sportier look and image.
So what is new for this year’s coupe and convertible? Most noticeable will be the slightly widened “kidney” grill, which reflects other BMW grills growing wider and bigger. Adjacent to that is a re-worked headlight cluster, with LED daytime running light “halos” to upgrade the car’s aggressive eyes. Taillights have also been slightly re-worked, as car manufacturers continue their battle of the coolest and most distinctive lighting designs.
Other changes are more subtle, such as the design “toning down” since last year’s departure of controversial design chief Chris Bangle. We’re starting to see more and more details that preserves BMW’s many lines, folds and creases in their bodywork, but add more clean lines as well. An example from their recent press release on the new 3-series: “An additional horizontal contour line has been added to the rear air dam to further accentuate the width of the Coupe and Convertible. It creates light-and-shade effects to give the entire rear end a flatter and smoother appearance.”
Under the hood, the engines have been tweaked to produce the same big power (300hp from the 330i) from less gas. Using lessons from their turbo diesels, they have lighted up their engines and injected the fuel right into the cylinders with quick-spool turbos to keep up the power and lose some weight. With the addition of a diesel 335d sedan to the lineup (35 fewer hp but lots more torque), it would really be something to get a TDI 3-series coupe we’d really have something…
Changes exclusive to the convertible include the inclusion of X-drive (AWD) and new leather seats treated to retain less heat when the roof is down - lowering surface temperatures by 27-35 degrees.
Blog
Welcome Addition to OC Media!
02.03.10
More Big News! (although an OC Ferry Building, that’s hard to beat.)
OCLNN Orange County Local News Network just debuted and although I have no ties, I thought you might want to check it out. It’s a daily online (no dead trees) news site with plenty of breaking news, local news, sports, events, lifestyle and entertainment in Orange County. More greatness right here in OC, just for you!
Follow Greer on Pinterest
from the blog
- 05.14.25 – Cinq à Sept Opens First California Boutique at Fashion Island
- 05.14.25 – CasaDamí Introduces Weekend Brunch and Golden Hour in Newport Beach
- 05.14.25 – Summer Starts May 17 at Wild Rivers With New Mermaid Cove
- 05.14.25 – Adam Brody, Kate Hudson, Jason Segel, and Sam Rockwell to Be Honored at Inaugural Newport Beach TV Fest
- 05.13.25 – Trevor’s at the Tracks Launches Farm-to-Table Program with Two Local Farms
- 05.13.25 – The Ranch at Laguna Beach Introduces Ceramic Collaboration With Isa Carr
- 05.12.25 – LAWineFest 2025 – Celebrating 20 Years of Wine, Community, and Fun
- 05.09.25 – Bowers Museum Celebrates $500,000 Lead Gift for Terracotta Warriors Exhibition
- 05.07.25 – Celebrate Mother’s Day with Brunch, Flamenco, and Champagne at Café Sevilla
- 05.06.25 – UCI Opera and Symphony Present Puccini’s Suor Angelica at Irvine Barclay Theatre
- 05.04.25 – A Weekend Escape to Catalina Island Just Got Even Better
- 05.02.25 – Hilton Anaheim Debuts Hansen’s Market
- 05.01.25 – Celebrate Mom at Casa Palmero, a Hidden Gem at Pebble Beach
- 04.28.25 – Celebrate Mother’s Day in Style at Hyatt Regency Newport Beach
- 04.25.25 – Play for Gray Charity Pickleball Tournament Returns May 17
- 04.24.25 – Descanso Celebrates Cinco de Mayo with Four Days of Food, Cocktails, and Festivities
- 04.23.25 – 2025 Breeders’ Cup Returns to Del Mar: Tickets On Sale Now
- 04.23.25 – Up to 80% Off at the Beach Riot Warehouse Sale in Tustin
- 04.23.25 – Score Up to 70% Off at the Zumiez Warehouse Sale in Santa Ana
- 04.20.25 – Burger Boss Introduces Halal Poultry, Salmon and Meal Deals
More Daily Doses
- 05.14.25 – Meet Atome Bakery: Sourdough Without the Stress
- 05.14.25 – Newport Beach TV Fest Launches June 5-8, 2025
- 05.11.25 – Cozy Earth Opens Flagship Store in Corona del Mar
- 05.09.25 – Celebrate Mother’s Day at Wild Strawberry Café in Newport Beach
- 05.08.25 – Mom-Worthy Dining in Orange County
- 05.08.25 – A Catalina Day Trip: Ocean Views, Island History, and Unforgettable Stops
- 05.05.25 – Celebrate Mother’s Day in Style Across Orange County
- 04.29.25 – Mother’s Day Dining and Experiences in Orange County
- 04.24.25 – Monaco Italian Kitchen Brings Neapolitan Pizzas and Housemade Pastas to Irvine
- 04.23.25 – South Coast Plaza Celebrates 35 Years of Southern California’s Premier Garden Show
- 04.20.25 – The District at Tustin Legacy Hosts Earth Day Celebration
- 04.17.25 – California Wine Festival Returns to Dana Point
- 04.15.25 – Easter Hoppenings in Orange County
- 04.11.25 – Fashion Island Welcomes a New Season of Style
- 04.10.25 – Celebrate Easter Sunday with Brunch at Top Orange County Resorts
- 04.09.25 – Savor Easter Sunday at These South Coast Plaza Restaurants
- 04.07.25 – Now Open: Vox Kitchen & Bar at South Coast Plaza
- 04.06.25 – Pacific Symphony Premieres Wagner’s “Das Rheingold” in St.Clair’s Final Season
- 04.01.25 – Chef’s Table Friendship Dinner Returns to Tanaka Farms – May 3, 2025
- 03.31.25 – Festival Ballet Theatre Presents The Sleeping Beauty at Irvine Barclay Theatre
